This fresh and creamy heirloom tomato and burrata salad proves that the best recipes are often the simplest.

If you’ve ever been to Italy then you know the true secret to good Italian cooking: quality ingredients. 

The better your ingredients, the less you need and the less work you need to do to them. 

Take a caprese salad for example. All you need are sliced tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, extra-virgin olive oil and fresh basil. Simple, yet you get a completely different experience depending on the freshness of the tomatoes, basil, and even mozzarella. 

While this salad isn’t technically a caprese, it’s similar in that it also relies on using the best quality ingredients to make the flavors really shine. 

If you have any infused oils or balsamic vinegars, this is the perfect recipe to use them! I used a thick, cherry-infused balsamic vinegar and it added just the right amount of sweetness. 

What You’ll Need

• Heirloom tomatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fresh basil 
• Salt and pepper
• Burrata cheese
• Red pepper flakes (optional) 

What’s the difference between burrata and buffalo mozzarella? 

Both soft Italian cheese, there are a few distinct differences between burrata and fresh mozzarella. 

Buffalo mozzarella is made from the milk of water buffalo and has a milky flavor with an elastic texture. Buffalo mozzarella can be hard to find in the US; however, fresh mozzarella, made from cow’s milk, is more common and similar in texture and taste.  

Burrata cheese is fresh mozzarella that’s formed into a pouch and then filled with soft curd and cream. While also milky, it has a rich, buttery flavor and a creamy texture that oozes out when sliced. 

While either cheese can be used in this recipe, burrata will make for a creamier, richer appetizer. 

Can I use another type of tomato? 

If heirloom tomatoes aren’t in season, you can substitute in vine tomatoes instead. Again, just make sure they are flavorful and juicy. 

Step-By-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Measure Ingredients, Slice Tomatoes, and Chop Basil 

Measure out all ingredients except for the burrata. 

Depending on the size of your tomatoes, slice them into fourths or eighths and add to a medium-sized mixing bowl. 

Place fresh basil in a pile and roughly chop with a sharp knife. Set aside. 

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Toss tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt and pepper. 

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 

Step 3: Prep Salad for Serving 

Set tomatoes out at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving and transfer to a serving plate or bowl. 

Option to drizzle leftover oil and balsamic over tomatoes or re-use it for dipping bread into. 

Step 4: Add Burrata and Enjoy 

Place burrata cheese on top of tomatoes, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and add additional basil for garnish. Enjoy immediately. 

What to serve with this simple tomato and burrata salad 

This salad is a perfect start to a dinner party on its own, served with crusty bread, or over a bed of mixed greens (arugula would be perfect!). 

It also makes for a delicious topping on baked or grilled chicken or cooked whole wheat pasta. 

Of course, you can also just eat it straight out of the fridge for an easy snack. 

Share how you choose to serve this fresh tomato salad by tagging @TheHealthyToast_RD on Instagram and be sure to pin this recipe for later! 

Print Recipe

Simple Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad

This fresh and creamy heirloom tomato and burrata salad proves that the best recipes are often the simplest. Ingredients

Prep Time2 hrs 10 mins

Total Time2 hrs 8 mins

Course: Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Healthy tomato salad, Tomato and burrata salad

Servings: 5

Calories: 191kcal

Ingredients

• 6-8 heirloom tomatoes
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar
• 6 leaves of basil chopped, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper
• 1 large ball of burrata cheese
• Pinch red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

• Cut tomatoes into quarters or eighths, depending on how large you want the slices. Place in a medium-sized bowl.
• Toss tomatoes with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Set tomatoes out at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving and transfer to a serving plate or bowl. Option to drizzle leftover oil and balsamic over tomatoes or re-use it for dipping bread into.
• Place burrata cheese on top of tomatoes, sprinkle with red pepper flakes, and add additional basil for garnish. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Nutrition for ⅙ of recipe (assuming all olive oil is consumed): 191 calories, 15 g fat (4 g saturated), 11 g carb, 1 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 5 g protein